Mar 28, 2024  
Rensselaer Catalog 2014-2015 
    
Rensselaer Catalog 2014-2015 [Archived Catalog]

Chemistry


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The B.S. in Chemistry curriculum is designed to meet the recommendations of the American Chemical Society Committee on Professional Training. At the same time, it provides ample opportunity for students to select electives that permit them to specialize in particular fields, to explore areas of potential interest, or to take unusual combinations of courses that will suit nontypical career goals. The program emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience in the second and third years, and provides extensive opportunities to participate in research. Besides allowing students to prepare for careers that demand a good background in science and mathematics, the curriculum also offers a sound basis for careers in fields such as law, the health professions, management, and technical communication.

For students transferring from other universities, two-year colleges, or from other curricula at Rensselaer, previous chemistry courses will be evaluated on an individual basis. Normally, these courses will count toward the Rensselaer program. The content of laboratory courses can be adjusted to allow for prior experience. The department makes every attempt to accommodate transfer students whose backgrounds do not permit them to follow the normal course sequence.

First Year


Fall


  • HASS Elective Credit Hours: 4

Spring


  • HASS Elective Credit Hours: 4

Second Year


Third Year


Spring


  • Insrumental Methods of Analysis Credit Hours 2
  • Experimental Chemisty IV Credit Hours 2
  • Microscopic Physical Chemistry Credit Hours 3
  • HASS Elective Credit Hours: 4
  • Elective Credit Hours: 4

Fourth Year


Fall


  • Senior Experience Credit Hours: 3
  • Electives Credit Hours: 12
  • Professional Development Seminar Credit Hours 1

Spring


  • Electives Credit Hours: 13

Additional Information


Twenty-eight of these total 128 credit hours required for graduation are completely free electives. Students should select electives in consultation with the adviser to give a balanced program. Some HASS courses can be deferred until the senior year to allow for earlier electives.

Students planning to pursue graduate studies in Chemistry are recommended to take at least 12 credits in Chemistry courses beyond those required. Research experience such as through CHEM 2950 or URP activities is particularly valuable.

Electives


Combinations of electives that can provide appropriate depth in specific areas such as environmental chemistry, medicinal chemistry, polymer chemistry, chemical engineering, management, pre-law, and others can be provided by the adviser. Students interested in medicine as a career should include the following courses among their elective choices. They are recommended before the senior year as preparation for the qualifying exams required for admission to medical school. In addition, two communications courses should be included among Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences elective options.

Footnotes


  1. ENGR 1600 may be substituted for CHEM 1200 by students transferring into Chemistry.
  2. BIOL 2120 may be substituted for this course.
  3. CHEM 4310 may be substituted for this course.

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